What are Assembly District Delegates?

Every two years, the CA Democrats elect 7 self-identified females and 7 other than self-identified females from each Assembly District in CA as delegates to the state party. Those who are elected will have a chance to vote for the new party chair and other leadership. The race is hotly contested and will determine how welcoming, grassroots-focused and innovative the party becomes or how beholden it will remain to big money interests.

Detailed Information

R.G. Wong

I’m a woman on a mission – to make sure the Democratic Party listens to the will of the people, not big money interests. Many Democrats claim they represent the working class and marginalized people. But the actions of some of our leaders contradict those values.

It’s not just enough to resist Trump, we must offer solutions. Our party must continue to fight for things that will benefit us all such as single-payer healthcare, protecting civil rights and environmental justice.

That’s why I’m running for re-election as an Assembly District delegate. As delegate, I have advocated for Medicare-for-all legislation and defending immigrants. I’m part of the Torrance Refinery Action Alliance, a group that is trying to remove the deadly modified hydrofluoric acid from our local refineries. I’ve joined their fight, lobbying various elected officials to support a ban of MHF and helping to form alliances with other local environmental groups. During my time with TRAA, I learned how the fossil fuel industry pollutes communities – especially those of color – and harms the health of residents. Subsequently I got involved with other environmental justice issues.

Of course, I have helped resist Trump’s attempts to target immigrants. Those efforts included

phone-banking and canvassing for Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi against a Trump supporter in the midterm elections. I’ve also helped deliver aid to asylum seekers in Tijuana.

I never thought I would get involved in politics. Ever since I could vote, I’ve been a Democrat, but a complacent one. Growing up in the conservative South Bay, it wasn’t easy to be an outspoken progressive. I’m the daughter of a Chinese immigrant and experienced racism in my childhood. The bullying I endured made me aware of social injustices but I was still preoccupied with exploring the world. Then I witnessed friends suffer from lack of decent health care and the growing economic gap between rich and poor. The problem, I realized, is that many elected officials are focused on making profits, not serving people. Around 2016, I was mobilized to participate in campaigns for progressive candidates such as Bernie Sanders and Nanette Barrigan.

If I am honored to serve a second time, I will champion policies and leaders who put people before profits. That includes a Green New Deal which addresses both climate change and economic equality.

Sara Deen, D.D.S.

The child of immigrants,I was born and raised in California.After my UC Berkeley and UCSF education,I practiced dentistry, volunteered in free clinics and taught in dental schools across the nation.While I was busy with my children and career, our nation reached a boiling point.The greed of a few coupled with the public’s inaction led to severe inequity and violence.I found my community under suspicion.As a Muslim,I grew up reading the Quran, which repetitively enjoins justice and compassion for all.As an American, this message resonated with me. However, my faith community and other marginalized/minority communities were under threat.I walked away from dentistry and immersed myself in community organizing.

I organized my community to pass out toiletries on Skid Row and participate in CROP Hunger Walks.I marched.I protested social injustice.I proudly serve on the board of the South Coast Interfaith Council, a non-profit organization which promotes social justice and peace-making.I participate in Habitat for Humanity build days, volunteer in the kitchen at the Urban Community Outreach center and organize monthly programs about social justice.I crossed the Cali-Mexico border to meet the migrant caravan and advocate for them.At the intersection of faith and social justice,I work with peoples of different backgrounds to fight for equal access to justice, liberty, safety and health.

As a progressive delegate,I would advocate for California to lead the nation towards a New Green Deal.An economy based in renewable energy will create jobs for struggling Americans and refugees.We must address our homelessness epidemic, ensure livable wages, create affordable housing and improve public education.We must address the gun violence in our state and the humanitarian crisis at our southern border.Capitalism should enable all to put bread on their tables; it shouldn’t replace the table.All deserve a safe and plentiful table; not just the elite.Our nation’s progress can’t be measured by profits, it needs to be measured by the well-being of all of its citizens.I bring my experience as a a healthcare provider and dental educator to the challenge of ensuring quality healthcare and improved public education for all.As a delegate,I would stand firm for justice with a compassionate heart to ensure the California Democratic Party remains committed to well-being and equality of our citizens.

Cathy Familathe

Hello Fellow Democrats,

I write to ask that you vote for me in re-election to ADEM for AD 66. This will be the second term that I have served. As a community and labor advocate for 30 years I have worked on many issues within my community and my union and the labor movement at large. Most of the issues are centered around working families. I currently work as a Marine Clerk in the Ports of LA and Long Beach, but I also serve as President of the ILWU Southern California District Council. This council is responsible for the interviewing and endorsing of all federal, state and local candidates in all races from Fresno to the Mexican border. I have also lobbied extensively in Sacramento and Washington for or against various legislation. As an ADEM Delegate I want to prioritize 1) making sure the Party realizes that we do not operate top down but we operate bottom up and they need to listen to US; 2) I want to make sure that we make our elected officials accountable for the pledges that they made to us during their campaigning; 3) work on worker issues such as good, livable wage jobs and protecting organizing and the collective bargaining process; 4) making sure that our elected officials know that Healthcare is not a privilege but a right and lastly 5) to work on making our community more environmentally friendly for all of its’ constituents. I also sit on the National Board of Trustees for the Parents of Murdered Children and Leader of the LA Chapter which is a support group for families and friends who have lost a loved one to homicide. In this day where homicides are rampant and mass murder seems to occur every day, it’s important that there is a support group for the survivors. We also lobby for legislation that supports the victims and survivors. I hope that you will support my re-election and the others candidates on our Grassroots 66 slate card. Thank you very much, Cathy Familathe.

Lori Ketkar

I am happy to announce my candidacy to be an AD66 delegate. As a Southern California native, I have seen many changes to education, employment, environment & individual rights policy over the years. The election of President Obama was a sign of big changes for America and for California. We are the leaders in policy & I was ready for us to clean up dark money in politics, harmful toxic emissions from automobiles and industrial complexes, & protect those who cannot speak for themselves (namely children, immigrants, women, and poor). When Donald Trump was elected President on November 6, 2016, my hopeful future crumbled. It was then that I decided – No More!

Education:

I received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Long Beach. After a few years working in a corporate setting, I received a Teaching Credential from Chapman University. While being a stay-at-home mom, I decided to return to college to earn a Master’s in Communication Management from the University of Southern California.

Work Experience:

My work experience is wide. I have been an athletic coach, high school teacher, debate coach, channel marketer, leadership trainer, personal development coach, entrepreneur, and marketing communication associate. One of the most memorable moments in my life was helping form an Indivisible group – January 1, 2017. I led group meetings, organized events, developed the website & social media pages, led visits to Senator Harris’ office, & wrote newsletters.

Delegate Priorities:

I promise to use my passion for restoring American Democracy by assuring that California continues its push for clean energy initiatives, supporting our right to voice our concerns peacefully through protest and rallies. I believe that party leadership must follow a grassroots flow but leading from the bottom to the top. Big money has no place in politics as it muddies the waters for a fair election process. California initiatives must support all Californians! As a delegate, I will advocate for access to quality education, immigration protection, & issues supporting all disadvantaged communities, persons, and religions. When we all succeed, our state and nation are stronger and more prosperous.

My focus while serving as a delegate will be supporting disadvantaged communities, persons and religions and education as a state priority.

Argentina Rodriguez

I am a Christian and a Progressive. My faith should not interfere with anyone else’s Constitutional Rights. The Founding Father were correct in erecting the Wall between Church and State.

I am not a party insider.

We should work on eliminating the dark/outsider money from politics and government.

We should work on moving our state into the 21st Century with 100% renewable energy across the entire state.

We should protect our natural environment by adhering to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s recommendations within our State.

Demand livable wages for all.

Recognize that healthcare is a human right for all Californians.

Push for affordable housing.

Remove all high-powered and automatic weapons with large magazines from its legal existence. (Our Second Amendment forefathers could not fathom our present world in their musket reality).

I advocate for fully funding our public schools by catapulting California’s funding formula to once again be the top five funding states in per pupil spending. (As the world’s 5th largest economy, it is unconscionable the neglect of our future human resource).

I advocate for Net Neutrality.

I advocate for fair and equal treatment of immigrant, racial, ethnic, gender, and economically disadvantaged communities.

I advocate for fair and accurate elections, where every eligible vote to be counted.

I personally advocate for all businesses, corporations, churches and nonprofits to PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE so that these lofty, idealistic and seemingly unrealistic community benefits may be fully funded.

There has to be a better way to compassionately care for the poor, sick and our natural environment.

Angelica Scherp

My name is Angelica Scherp. I am an Indian-American, a medical biller/coder, Bollywood dance instructor, wife, mother of two, and a lifelong democrat. I have lived in California for over 15 years, always active in my community like the PTA, tenant associations, and volunteered for environmental and other local issues. I realize now that that was not enough.

After the Presidential Election of 2016, I have dedicated myself to promoting policies and leaders that put people over profit. I have been a part of LA Resist, Indivisible Beach Cities, and So Cal Left. I have volunteered to help petitions for the California Social Media Disclose Act, the California Net Neutrality Bill, and canvassed for Healthy California Act. For the Midterms 2018, I have textbanked, phonebanked and written postcards for candidates all over the country with Indivisible Beach Cities. As part of a personal commitment, I canvassed long and hard for Katie Porter (CA45) and Al Muratsuchi.

Donna Tarr

I want to be a delegate for Assembly District 66 to help transform California into a better home state for the many people that reside here. California is the fifth largest economy in the world with a gross domestic product of $2.7 trillion at the end of 2017. Yet the point-in-time count of homeless people was 129,972 in January 2018, higher than any other state. California, however, is lagging other states in funding for public education.

California has the means and resources to resolve statewide homelessness and provide the best education for all of its students. California should be instituting a green economy and a peace economy. Also within our means is healthcare for all, a living wage, and affordable housing. And we can pass gun control laws that would end mass shootings and other gun-related tragedies.

Protecting fair and accurate elections and reducing the influence of dark money and corporate money in elections would help bring about these positive changes in California.

This sums up what I would strive for as an ADEM. Thank you for your consideration and please vote for me.

Peter Aziz

I grew up in the SouthBay community of Redondo Beach for the last 28 yrs, having attended local public institutions. I have also had the honor of working for the community services department in the City of Redondo Beach since the age of 14,in which I have been able to really gain the value of our SouthBay through direct access to the community. I hold a B.A. in Public Policy with concentrations in Urban Planning and Health Policy, and I am currently pursuing my Masters in Public Policy. I am running because I would like to see youth in the 66th Assembly district empowered and supported to be engaged by our community. Growing up in the SouthBay I have not seen many opportunities for change or innovation. I want to see opportunities, affordability, the continuation of greater community involvement. I cannot afford living where I grew up, but that’s also because I know there aren’t’ opportunities keeping me here. Growing up in a post 9/11 in the Southbay as someone of Middle Eastern background I can say has been a challenge. At the very least the place which you live should be the safest, regardless of ethnic or gender identity. Even more so, post-2016 elections have proven nothing more of a chance for me along with many in my community to speak up about the atrocities of our current state and continue the rhetoric of safety in our community. I want to ensure our stronghold of progression in California flourishes by way of the SouthBay. Advocating for immigrant communities to feel welcome to speak their concerns, ensuring that our Southbay has the ability for economic growth. All of this begins with greater diversity amongst our community and our small business entrepreneurs. I am a community leader/organizer/activist/union member. I have worked tirelessly (2018 midterms) in OC with other Dems to register 3445 residents to get out and vote. I work with a very active non-profit organization which advocates for community inclusion and I am on the board of another tailored towards raising voices of marginalized communities w/in the Middle Eastern Christian Diaspora. I have learned through my young 29 years of experiences working in my city, community-based work is tireless but rewarding, w/out our communities as the machines of change, vitality, and diversity, there is no success for growth. I thank you for your time and consideration!

Doug Bender

I have been heavily involved in the South Bay political scene the past two years. I am a co-founder and a leader of Indivisible South Bay LA (ISBLA). I am also a member of two Democratic Clubs. As part of our ISBLA activities I have been in the offices of both our US Senators offices, our Congressman Ted Lieu, and Assembly an Al Muratsuchi’s quite regularly with detailed lists of legislation that we would like to promote. I have also participated in canvassing, texting, and phone banking for Democratic candidates in the recent election.

Positions I support:

– Great commitment to environmental preservation. Green New Deal. Stop and reverse carbon pollution into the atmosphere, fight species extinction, preserve wild areas. Make California a leader in the transition away from fossil fuels. Reduce factory farms.

I will support any candidates and policies that move us in those directions.

Timothy Beyer

I am a software engineer with degrees in computer science and economics. Since 2015, I have been an activist as well as a volunteer on various political campaigns (canvassing and phone banking). I believe that we must hold elected officials accountable (especially those in leadership positions) to ensure that the party addresses the needs and concerns of the people, not big donors or corporations.

I am deeply concerned with socioeconomic inequities, particularly in the form of healthcare and housing. I strongly support healthcare as a human right in the form of Medicare for All, either at a state or national level, and have canvassed for California Nurses towards getting universal (single payer) healthcare implemented at a state level. I believe that housing is a human right, and that we must take drastic steps to address homelessness, using all tools available. Housing is very complex and should not be reduced solely to a supply issue.

I have focused considerable effort on environmental issues, and am acutely aware of the negative externalities that both the Torrance and Wilmington refineries have imposed on their respective communities, both in terms of safety issues with Modified Hydrofluoric Acid (MHF) as well as health issues associated with oil drilling, which disproportionately impact the most vulnerable local residents. The extent of control that these corporations exert on both elected officials and public policy is alarming.

To this end, I have been involved for some time with the Torrance Refinery Action Alliance (TRAA) on various committees and tasks, providing assistance on the website, making an economic case for an MHF ban, outreach to organizations such as NAACP, and creating alliances with labor unions.

I have recently become involved with more local organizations, such as the Progressive Democratic Club, where I am an officer, and Indivisible South Bay LA, where I am on the steering committee for communications / website. I am a dues paying member of the progressive caucus of the CDP.

I believe that the only way to tackle the issues that we face as a community is through a bold progressive vision, and we must stridently fight for these issues against the powers that be. If I am given the honor of representing AD66, I will prioritize people over corporate profits.

Robert Dhondrup

I’m running on a Progressive slate for the first time in the 66th AD where I have been a South Torrance resident for years. Early in the 2000s, I was a delegate to AD 16 (Wilma Chan) and would like to return to that work. Universal Healthcare and a Universal Basic Income are important to me as well as housing and homelessness, in addressing income inequality and I have volunteered and have a long relationship with our Assembly member and Congressman to improve our Party and our State. Currently, I have been active with both the Asian Pacific American and Labor caucuses.

I come out of the labor movement where I have served in leadership role since 1998, first with the South Bay Labor Council and Alameda County Labor Council. I am a vested member of the Communications Workers of America and previously a member of the United Farm Workers of America (Associate Member) and International Association of Machinists. I also worked most recently as a Communications Specialist with SEIU Local 2015 in the Organizing Department training organizers to organize low income caregivers through digital and online organizing before my position was eliminated due to the Supreme Court’s Janus Decision. I have organized, marched and lobbied with progressive, human rights, environmental, social justice and labor activists and have phone banked and walked precincts for progressive candidates and ballot measures up and down the ballot. I am a current member and on the Executive Board of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Los Angeles.

I have also worked with nonprofit and housing organizations, most notable the Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council representing AAPI community social service organizations throughout Southern California as well as previously serving as the Communications and Programs Director for the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing representing every major nonprofit housing developer and homeless provider in our region. I had helped build the movement to organize low income families, individuals, and homeless veterans and provide housing for them.

I am proud to run with a inspiring slate of progressive candidates and would be honored to have your vote and support for my efforts to become your delegate. I promise to always be responsive and accountable. My email is dhondrup@aol.com if you ever wish to contact me.

Dr. David Hannum

Hi, my name is David Hannum. I’m an engineer with a PhD in physics and an unimpressive apartment in Torrance. I’m a lifelong liberal Democrat. We must push money out of politics if our democracy is to survive. My background as an environmental and political activist will help me fight for this goal. For several years now, I’ve worked on the science panel of the Torrance Refinery Action Alliance (TRAA). I’ve marched, handed out fliers, and given technical explanations of dangerous oil refinery practices to regulators and politicians. As a political activist, I’ve phone-banked for Hillary and other Democrats. I’ve also worked in support of public employee unions. I lived in Madison, Wisconsin during the state legislature’s surprise attack on unions. In addition to occupying the capitol and marching in subzero snowstorms, I volunteered with We Are Wisconsin PAC to recall the state senators responsible for the attack. This meant more phone-banking and going door to door to get out the vote in several districts across the state. I hope to bring this experience home as a delegate of the 66th district of California. Thank you for your consideration.

Dennis Kane

I am applying to help assure that our state is represented by true progressives, people that are against excessive economic inequality, for-profit healthcare, money in politics, declaring that corporations have the rights of people, polluting the environment, unaffordable higher education and unending war.

Bill Reynolds

My name is Bill Reynolds. I am a retired Auditor for the U.S. Department of Defense. I have worked for Democratic candidates for over 20 years. I am on the Steering Committee of the Torrance Refinery Action Alliance, in its fight to ban the use of Hydrofluoric Acid for alkylation at California oil refineries. I am also currently involved in the Indivisible South Bay organization.

The California Democratic Party Platform includes the following plank:

Support and encourage the implementation legislation for full public financing of election campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels.

This is why I am a Democrat. Of the 2 major parties, the Democratic Party includes this in their platform. Yet this would achieve change that voters regardless of affiliation will say is their desire: To get money out of politics; to diminish the influence of money and lobbying in our Government; and to counter the motivation for private profit.

In voting for Party leadership and rules, and in endorsements, I would work to make that plank more than just words on a page. If we can make public financing of election campaigns more known as the goal of the Democratic Party, we will more clearly distinguish ourselves from the opposition, and we will become the choice of more voters. I hope to help the California Democratic Party further commit to no longer accept pay-to-play as business as usual.

If we can reduce the influence of wealthy interests in election campaigns and Government, we can begin to strengthen our ability to provide healthcare for all, affordable housing, strengthen public education, and battle threats to the environment.

Finally, I believe that the Democratic Party has a heritage of fighting for the interests of working and struggling people. However, as the Democratic Party governance and leadership sometimes operates in less-than-transparent ways, developing its own organizational priorities, a downward push of those priorities occurs as it appoints and selects insider delegates, and participates in Government. I believe that further checks and balances are needed to counter those insider priorities. I will represent the mobilization of the grassroots interests of working and struggling people, upwards, to more resolutely establish them as the priorities of our Party.